A small town in ancient Mesopotamia had a population of 50 000 in 3200 BCE and grew at an average rate of 1.5 % per decade. What would be its estimated population in 2900 BCE?
Answer
78 150
The correct answer is 78 150 — Round to the nearest whole number for the answer. The estimate is 78 150.
Step-by-step solution
- Determine number of decades between 3200 BCE and 2900 BCE: (3200−2900)=300 years → 30 decades.
- Use compound growth formula: P = P₀(1+r)^n, where r=0.015 and n=30.
- Compute (1+0.015)^30 ≈ 1.563.
- Multiply 50 000 × 1.563 ≈ 78 150.
- Round to the nearest whole number for the answer. The estimate is 78 150.
Common mistake: Applying linear growth instead of compound growth
Concept tested: Population growth calculation
Published · How this solution was prepared and checked
← All In the Earliest Cities questions